The Different Variables Affecting the Refugees’ “Decision” Process

This chapter analyzes the empirical studies regarding refugees’ decision processes, focusing on the main variables that affect them. By including a micro-model of migration adapted for the refugee movement, this chapter takes a nominalist approach, which underlines the similarities between refugees and other types of migrants. In addition, by examining some of the most important empirical research conducted on migrants and refugees, this work discusses “choices” made by refugees at a certain point in their trip to their final destination country. The chapter offers a literature review by identifying and separating the “push” and “pull” factors in addition to studying the impact of economic variables on refugees’ decision processes.